Core Insights - Shenzhen is enhancing its international business environment by developing a comprehensive payment infrastructure that integrates various payment methods and services to boost its global competitiveness [1] Group 1: Payment Infrastructure Upgrades - Shenzhen has established five one-stop service centers for foreign visitors at key transportation hubs, providing 24-hour services that integrate payment, tourism, communication, transportation, and immigration [2] - The city has achieved a 100% acceptance rate for foreign cards at Shenzhen Airport, with nearly 90% acceptance for digital currencies, and has distributed over 100,000 multilingual payment guides [2][3] Group 2: Consumer Spending Trends - In the first half of 2025, foreign visitors to Shenzhen made 85.88 million transactions totaling 11.81 billion yuan, marking a year-on-year increase of 29% and 35% respectively [3] - Hong Kong residents accounted for 58.66 million transactions worth 7.04 billion yuan, with year-on-year growth of 22% and 25% [3] Group 3: Innovative Payment Solutions - Shenzhen has introduced a new "immediate refund" tax refund service at shopping locations, allowing consumers to receive tax refunds instantly at the point of sale, significantly improving efficiency [4] - The city has expanded payment options in public transport, integrating various payment methods including digital wallets and cross-border payment solutions [4] Group 4: Cross-Border Payment Innovations - The launch of the "Cross-Border Payment Pass" facilitates seamless cross-border transactions between Shenzhen and Hong Kong, allowing users to transfer funds easily via mobile banking [5] - The number of transactions and amounts processed through the cross-border payment system increased by 91.9% and 64.9% respectively in the first half of 2025 [5]

Core Insights - As of the end of March, banks in Shenzhen have facilitated over 400,000 account openings for Hong Kong residents [1] - By the end of March 2025, Shenzhen will have over 44,000 merchants accepting foreign cards, with 4,156 ATMs supporting foreign currency withdrawals [1] - The number of non-cash payment transactions and amounts for foreign personnel in Shenzhen increased by 28.09% and 34.74% year-on-year, respectively, in the first quarter of 2025 [1] Summary by Categories Banking Services - Shenzhen banks have opened more than 400,000 accounts for Hong Kong residents as of March [1] - By March 2025, there will be 44,000 merchants in Shenzhen accepting foreign cards and 4,156 ATMs for foreign currency withdrawals [1] Currency Exchange and Payment Transactions - There are 1,645 bank branches and 37 licensed exchange institutions in Shenzhen for foreign currency exchange [1] - Nearly 30,000 digital wallets have been issued, and 349,600 small change wallets have been exchanged [1] - In the first quarter of 2025, non-cash payment transactions for foreign personnel in Shenzhen grew by 28.09%, with transaction amounts increasing by 34.74% year-on-year [1]